Garwin Davis, Gleaner Writer

People's National Party (PNP) caretaker for North East St. Ann, Oswest Senior Smith, has accused Opposition Member of Parliament Shahine Robinson of dereliction of duty, saying that under her watch Ocho Rios was losing ships.

Mr. Senior Smith was responding to reports that the major cruise lines were getting fed up with the town's failure to upgrade existing port facilities, and the not-so-subtle warning that they would no longer commit their mega liners to "a town that clearly doesn't take cruise shipping seriously."

"It is quite obvious that all is not well with cruise shipping in Ocho Rios," Mr. Senior Smith said. "The cruise lines have made no secret of the fact that our status as a preferred cruise destination is in jeopardy and that we need to get our act together. Where is the Member of Parliament in all of this; her silence is deafening? This is not what representation is all about, the people of North East St. Ann deserve far better than what they are currently getting."

Inadequate berthing facilities

Ocho Rios lost a little over 200 cruise calls last year as a result of inadequate berthing facilities. It is highly possible that the number could increase this year, considering it is hardly unlikely the town will embark anytime soon on port expansion. The cruise lines, in the meantime, have been dropping hints that they have exhausted all patience with Ocho Rios and are not afraid to re-route the ships to neighbouring Montego Bay.

Efforts to contact Ms. Robinson were unsuccessful. Her supporters, though, have stoutly been defending her performance as MP, saying she cannot be blamed for what is taking place with cruise shipping.

"We can't blame the MP for Ocho Rios losing ships to Montego Bay," commented Richard Smith, a taxi operator for Maxi Tours. "This is a problem that started with the failure of the Government to recognise the importance of cruise shipping and what it means to this town. Ms. Robinson has been out there making all the necessary representation but cannot get anywhere with this administration."

Mr. Senior Smith, however, is not convinced saying, "This line about her government not being in power is getting weaker by the day." "Regardless of whose government is in power, shouldn't we be hearing something from the MP? Shouldn't she be out there taking the lead role on a problem that could be disastrous for this town?" he asked.